Badalona is set to host its most emblematic May festivities event, the 'Cremada del Dimoni' (Burning of the Demon), on 10 May. This nocturnal celebration, honouring Sant Anastasi, involves burning a giant demon statue on the beach, similar to Valencia's Falles festival, according to local reports. The event will also feature a pyromusical display, a drone show, and concerts.

The festivities will take place on Platja dels Pescadors (Fishermen's Beach) in Badalona. This tradition draws large crowds to the city's coastline, marking a significant cultural highlight for residents and visitors.

Barcelona's Floral and Cultural Events

Meanwhile, Barcelona is busy with its 26th International New Rose Competition at Cervantes Park, running from 8 to 10 May. An international jury will judge new rose varieties, which will remain on display in the park's rose garden after the competition. For those seeking more floral displays, Girona's 'Temps de Flors' festival starts on 9 May, transforming the city with flowers, including the decorated steps of Girona Cathedral.

In another significant cultural event, the Grup Confiteria is organising the 'Fontada Mundial' on 9 May. This anniversary party celebrates 100 years of two of its bars, Mundial Bar and La Font del Gat. The celebration will parade through several historic venues, including Bar Muy Buenas and La Confiteria, with music, drinks, and a traditional 'capgròs' (big-head figure), ending with a popular feast at La Font del Gat.

Creative Open Days and Vintage Markets

Poblenou Open Day returns on 9 May, offering 12 uninterrupted hours of open doors at over 40 creative spaces in the Poblenou district. The programme includes exhibitions, art, design, photography, dance, live music, DJ sets, talks, workshops, guided tours, and gastronomy.

For vintage enthusiasts, several markets are scheduled. Rec.0, Europe's largest outlet festival, is held in Igualada from 6 to 9 May, featuring around 60 pop-up stores with discounts from over 100 major brands. Closer to Barcelona, Two Market will open its three vintage shops in Poblenou on 9 May and host a 'Everything for €2' market at Nau Bostik on 10 May, which becomes 'Everything for €1' after 3pm. The Flea market will also fill Estació de França with 40 vintage stalls on 10 May.

Additionally, Residu Zero is organising a charity event on 9 May with a chocolate party and a flea market to support paediatric cancer research for Sant Joan de Déu. Sports vintage collectors can visit a 90s football clothing pop-up at Real Vintage Football from 8 to 10 May. Lleida will host the 'Jaleo Vintage' market from 8 to 10 May at Hotel Real Lleida, offering free entry and dozens of brands, all items priced at €10.

Italian Culture and Local Art

The Italia Republik Festival returns to Barcelona's port from 8 to 10 May. This free festival showcases Italian culture with concerts, gastronomy, and cultural exchange, featuring a dozen activities for all ages. The event will take place at Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi.

Tallers Oberts Bcn will open the doors of 71 creation workshops across all city districts over two consecutive weekends, 9-10 May and 16-17 May. This initiative aims to show local art, craftsmanship, and design through various cultural activities.

Immersive Shows and Theatre

'Luminiscence', an immersive show that has attracted over a million viewers, is in its final days at Moll de la Fusta, running until 17 May. This multisensory experience combines music, technology, lights, colours, and mapping to tell the story of the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi.

At Tantarantana, 'Hora Bruixa' (Witch Hour) runs until 17 May. This theatrical concert reimagines Shakespeare's Macbeth witches as a female punk band, narrating the history of women-led resistance movements from Salem to #MeToo, celebrating the memory of combative women.

Carlota Subirós, following her successful adaptation of Rodoreda's 'La plaça del Diamant', returns to Teatre Nacional de Catalunya with 'Èdip & Antígona'. Running until 31 May, this production combines Sophocles' three great tragedies: 'Oedipus Rex', 'Oedipus at Colonus', and 'Antigone'. The play highlights Antigone's voice for piety and dignity amidst violence.

For young scientists, CosmoCaixa Science Museum offers 'Termoshow' workshops until 21 June. These family activities explain temperature changes in physical and chemical processes, including fires, volcanoes, and nuclear reactions, with 23 sessions scheduled.

Finally, Eva Baltasar's best-selling novel 'Permagel' (Permafrost) is adapted for the stage at Espai Texas until 28 June. The play explores themes from suicide to lesbian desire with dark humour and brutal honesty, adapted by Victoria Szpunberg and co-produced by Dagoll Dagom and Barc. An exhibition on Catalan mythology, featuring figures like El Serpent or Joan de l’Os, will also tour Barcelona's libraries for a year, allowing people to rediscover national mythological creatures.